The Best Private Schools in Highland, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Highland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
University School
University School
University School is one of Ohio's premier independent day schools for boys, serving students from Highland and throughout Northeast Ohio. With over a century of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program from pre-primary through 12th grade. The curriculum features extensive Advanced Placement offerings, cutting-edge STEM research facilities, entrepreneurship programs, and outstanding arts and athletics. The 221-acre campus includes state-of-the-art science centers, performing arts spaces, athletic complexes, and innovative learning environments. University School is particularly noted for its exceptional faculty, robust college placement record, and development of leadership skills through its all-boys educational model.
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Medina Christian Academy
Medina Christian Academy
Medina Christian Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving students from Highland and surrounding Medina County areas. The school offers comprehensive college preparatory education from preschool through 12th grade with small class sizes and individualized attention. Their rigorous academic program includes advanced STEM courses, comprehensive fine arts offerings, and competitive athletic programs. The school emphasizes character development and spiritual growth through integrated biblical worldview curriculum. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and dedicated arts spaces. Parents consistently praise the school's strong community feel, dedicated teachers, and excellent college placement record.
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Strongsville Christian Academy
Strongsville Christian Academy
Strongsville Christian Academy provides a classical Christian education to students from Highland and surrounding communities in Cuyahoga and Medina counties. The school serves grades K-12 with a rigorous curriculum that integrates traditional liberal arts with modern STEM education. Their classical approach emphasizes critical thinking, rhetoric, and logical reasoning across all subjects. The campus features modern facilities including science laboratories, technology-enhanced classrooms, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong sense of community, experienced faculty, and comprehensive college counseling program that consistently places graduates in competitive universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Highland, Ohio
What are the primary private school options serving families in Highland, Ohio, and what are their key characteristics?
While Highland itself is a smaller township, families typically look to nearby institutions. The top options include **Medina Christian Academy** in Medina (a K-12 Christian school with a biblical worldview curriculum), **Strongsville Christian Academy** in Strongsville (a private Christian school offering preschool through 8th grade), and **University School** in Hunting Valley (an all-boys, K-12 college-preparatory day school with a national reputation). It's important to note that these schools are located in neighboring communities, so commuting is a key consideration for Highland residents. Many families also explore Catholic schools within the Cleveland Diocese that may have busing options.
How does Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship Program affect tuition costs for private schools near Highland?
Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship Program can significantly reduce out-of-pocket tuition costs for eligible families. This state-funded voucher program is accepted by many private schools in the region, including Medina Christian Academy and Strongsville Christian Academy. Eligibility is primarily based on the assigned public school building's performance or family income. For the 2024-25 school year, the EdChoice Expansion (income-based) scholarship covers up to $6,165 for K-8 and $8,407 for 9-12. Families in Highland should check each school's financial aid office for specific guidance and apply through the state portal, as this can make private education much more accessible.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Highland, OH area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools in this region offer distinct programs tailored to their missions. **University School** is renowned for its rigorous college-prep curriculum, extensive STEM facilities, and competitive athletics. **Medina Christian Academy** integrates faith-based learning with programs like its House System for community building and may offer specific biblical studies or ministry tracks. **Strongsville Christian Academy** often emphasizes smaller class sizes and character education woven into all subjects. A common differentiator from Highland's public schools is the specific religious formation (for faith-based schools) and often more specialized attention in niche areas like classical education or leadership development, which are central to these schools' identities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Highland, Ohio community?
For the schools near Highland, the process often begins a full year in advance. **University School** has one of the earliest timelines, with applications due in January for the following fall, followed by entrance testing and interviews. **Medina Christian Academy** and **Strongsville Christian Academy** may have rolling admissions but encourage applications by early spring for the best chance of placement. A critical step for Highland families is attending open houses (typically held in the fall) and inquiring about transportation options, as most schools do not provide district busing. It's also essential to apply for financial aid or EdChoice scholarships concurrently with the admissions application.
For a family living in Highland, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the local Highland School District and a private school?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. First is **commute**: Attending a private school means driving to Medina, Strongsville, or Hunting Valley daily. Second is **cost**: Even with EdChoice scholarships, there may be remaining tuition, fees, and transportation costs versus the free public education in the well-regarded Highland Local School District. Third is **educational philosophy**: Highland public schools offer a strong, comprehensive secular education, while the private options provide specific religious instruction or single-gender, college-prep environments. Finally, consider **community**: The private schools offer communities centered on shared values or academic intensity, whereas the local district connects children with immediate neighborhood peers. Visiting both types of schools is crucial to feel the difference.
Private Education Insights
Affordable Private Schools in Highland, Ohio: A Parent's Guide to Local Options
If you're a parent in Highland, Ohio, searching for "affordable private schools near me," you're likely balancing the desire for a values-based or academically rigorous education with the practical realities of a family budget. The good news is that the Highland area and its surrounding communities in Medina and Cuyahoga Counties offer several private school options that strive to make their programs accessible. Understanding the landscape here means looking beyond just tuition figures to the unique value and community each school provides.
Medina Christian Academy, located a short drive from Highland in Medina, is a cornerstone for many local families seeking an affordable Christian education. The school emphasizes a biblical worldview integrated into a strong academic curriculum. For parents, the affordability often comes from a combination of manageable base tuition and active fundraising efforts that help keep costs down. The sense of community here is tangible; it's a place where families often know each other, creating a supportive network that extends beyond the classroom. When evaluating cost, it's wise to inquire about their financial aid or scholarship opportunities, as many faith-based schools have dedicated funds to assist families.
Another excellent option to consider is Strongsville Christian Academy, situated northeast of Highland. This school also offers a Christ-centered education with a focus on developing character alongside intellect. For Highland residents, the commute is reasonable, and the school has a reputation for fostering a close-knit environment. Affordability at institutions like Strongsville Christian often involves looking at the whole picture—considering what is included in tuition, such as technology, arts, or extracurricular activities, that might be add-ons elsewhere. Scheduling a visit can give you a true sense of the value proposition; speaking directly with admissions staff about payment plans or parish discounts if applicable can reveal pathways to make the investment work for your family.
For families whose priorities lean heavily toward exceptional academic preparation and college placement, University School, with campuses in Hunting Valley and Shaker Heights, represents a different tier of private education. While its tuition is significantly higher, it is crucial to mention because of its renowned reputation and proximity. It is included in this discussion to highlight the full spectrum of choices. For some Highland families, the investment might be justified by unparalleled academic resources, extensive financial aid endowments, and a nearly 100% college matriculation rate. If this model appeals to you, a detailed conversation about their robust need-based financial aid program is an essential first step.
Ultimately, finding an affordable private school near Highland, Ohio, requires a blend of research and reflection. Start by clearly defining what "affordable" means for your household budget. Then, reach out to schools like Medina Christian Academy and Strongsville Christian Academy to get precise current tuition numbers and discuss all available financial support options. Attend open houses, ask current parents about the true cost of involvement, and measure the commute against your daily routine. The right fit is not just about the lowest price, but about the school whose mission, community, and educational approach align with your values, providing a return on investment that feels priceless for your child's future.